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Czech Republic: Work 4.0

The Government adopted the Industry 4.0 initiative in 2016, with a document prepared by more than 70 experts and under the scope of the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The initiative provides key information about the fourth industrial revolution and possible directions in preparing the economy and society for future technology changes.

As a follow-up, the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs published its paper Work 4.0 prepared by the National Training Fund. The paper outlines impacts of the fourth industrial revolution on the labour market, employment, and human resources. Companies might no longer need workers for the tasks that can be performed by robots. New types of business and job will emerge, particularly in research and development sectors, services, and industry. Participation in further education and its development will be important. The number of jobs in STEM disciplines will grow significantly. Lower qualified professionals will need to master new technologies, operate smart machines and information systems. New disciplines will need flexible and creative employees with a high level of soft skills and ability to learn. Communication skills will be essential, as will complex problem solving, critical thinking, entrepreneurial skills and leadership.

The Work 4.0 paper outlines measures to mitigate negative impacts of changes and maximise positive aspects. They aim at supporting employability and equal chances for all. The paper suggests more flexibility in the labour market and continuing education: better targeted and higher quality retraining offered by the public employment services; more support for self-employment; systemic training of employees; new solutions in taxes and insurance;, and better monitoring and anticipation of labour market needs.

It will be necessary to improve regulation of new forms of employment, such as distance work and work through online platforms, and to ensure proper insurance, additional education and other services for all working people regardless of the form of their work. The paper also suggests analysing options for reducing working hours.

The Work 4.0 paper is to be widely discussed with stakeholders.

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports has been preparing the Education 4.0 document with priorities related to initial and further education.